HC Deb 07 February 1951 vol 483 cc1715-8
18. Mr. Henry Hopkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the bad state of the British war cemetery at Mount Scopus, Jerusalem; and what steps are being taken to enable the Imperial War Graves Commission to obtain access to the cemetery and to put it into proper condition.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Davies)

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Consul-General in Jerusalem has made urgent representations to the Chief-of-Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation in Jerusalem, to have the cemetery cleared of mines, and to make it possible for the Commission's caretaker to return. Information recently received suggests that the Chief-of-Staff has agreed to take action in the matter, but the final result is not yet known. While it is not possible to state how far the structure has deteriorated, the Commission do not believe it to be extensive and they have every confidence that they will be able rapidly to restore the cemetery to its original state as soon as they regain access to it.

Mr. Hopkinson

Is the Minister aware that this cemetery, in which many thousands of British and Dominion dead are buried, has been neglected for two and a half years and that approaches to the United Nations Commission have been made for a number of months? Will he expedite a decision in the matter?

Mr. Davies

As I stated, we have recently made representations and are doing all we can; but, as the hon. Member is aware, this cemetery is situated in an area of no man's land between Jordan and Israel and it is a delicate situation.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is also a modern hospital and university in this no-man's land which might be used? Could recommendations be made about them?

Mr. Speaker

This Question has to do with a cemetery and nothing else.

Major Legge-Bourke

Will the Minister say when it was known that the desecration of the cemetery had taken place by the laying of mines and whether his Majesty's Government lodged an immediate protest?

Mr. Davies

It took place during the fighting in Israel, and as soon as we became aware of the situation we took what we considered appropriate action.

19. Mr. Hopkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has received in regard to the state of the British civilian cemetery at Mount Zion, Jerusalem; and what steps are being taken to render it usable and to ensure its repair and future maintenance.

Mr. Ernest Davies

A recent report from His Majesty's Consulate-General in Jerusalem states that the graves are in fairly good condition, although overgrown with grass and weeds. Maintenance of the cemetery remains the responsibility of the cemetery board of which the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem is chairman. The Bishop has recently obtained the release of funds and he will take whatever steps are possible to put the cemetery into good order.

Mr. Hopkinson

Will the Minister inquire, particularly from the Israeli Government, whether it is possible to appoint a Christian caretaker to this cemetery?

Mr. Davies

Yes, Sir. We have asked our Consul-General to keep us informed of the developments and the latest information is that the Israeli authorities do not recognise the present legal status of the present cemetery board administrators. We are taking what action we can.

Mr. Wakefield

Will the hon. Gentleman point out to the Israeli Government that co-operation in this matter would provide a splendid opportunity of consolidating the good will which is already largely felt for them in this country?

Mr. Davies

I can assure the lion. Member that the Israeli Government are well aware of how we feel in this matter and I hope that perhaps arising out of Questions in the House definite action will be taken by them.

Mr. Driberg

Arising out of what my hon. Friend has said, will he consider the aspect of this problem referred to in my Question No. 90 on today's Order Paper— [To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the relatives of Sergeant C. E. Vince, Palestine Police, have been hoping to receive a photograph of his grave in Mount Zion cemetery, Jerusalem, since his death in November, 1947, and that the hon. Member for Maldon has been in correspondence with his Department about this matter since July, 1948; and if he will now renew his efforts to secure this photograph and also satisfy himself that this and other graves of British policemen in this cemetery are well cared for.]— for which he seems to bear responsibility jointly with the Colonial Secretary? Is it not rather extraordinary that relatives should have to wait more than three years to have a mere protograph of a grave in this cemetery? Can anything he done to expedite that?

Mr. Davies

I will certainly take note of what my hon. Friend has said, and will look into the matter.